How My Garden Grows Me

Since beginning this farming adventure, I sometimes reflect on some of the things that I could have done differently, and what I have learned from my mistakes.  Here are some of the things that I have learned:

Focus:  I want to plant EVERYTHING!  When I am looking at plant descriptions, I imagine myself growing every squash variety imaginable, and lets not even talk about tomatoes!!  Oh, and herbs...even medicinal herbs...don't forget beans...oh hey..fennel!  Wow, I can grow mushrooms too!  Squirrel!!  My early gardens were somewhat productive, but I only gleaned small amounts of a large variety of vegetables and herbs, some of which I would never eat.  Now, when planning my garden, I list everything I want to grow, and whittle it down to a more manageable list and limit it to things that I will eat.  If I don't sell everything, I preserve, eat or donate what remains.

Find your Joy:  This could also go under the "Focus" section of this post...I want to do everything.  Goats, pigs, ducks, bees, rabbits, fodder, cows...and on and on and on!  I am basically a one person operation, with help from some awesome people when needed.  As much as I would like to turn our farm into a "real" homestead, I just don't have the time or resources.  I also came to realize that the amount of information and skill I would need to tend to all of those individual projects is just beyond my physical and mental limitations.  It is best for me to stick to what I do best, and do it very very well.  I delve into articles and books on soil structure and microbes (excellent article here).  I research compost and composting methods.  I am trying to make the most of the one thing that brings me the most joy...planting a seed and seeing it to harvest.

How I picture the farm!

Patience:  I really have to work on patience.  I spend the winter months poring over seed catalogs and websites, reading books and researching, and planning the next years' garden layout.  I can't wait to get my hands in the dirt and get it all moving along!  But how many times do I have to rush things in Spring, only to be rewarded with a late frost and a ruined bed of cucumbers or tomato plants? I get so anxious to start growing that I will too often tempt fate and have to face the consequences.

Reach out:  Too often I try to do everything on my own.  I end up frustrated, overworked and discouraged.  At times all it takes is a phone call to a friend for help and everything is back on track.  I sometimes forget that I am working on something inspiring and fruitful and I concentrate on the chore more than the journey.  When I share my dream with others, and see that they are inspired, it gives me fuel to continue and feedback that I what I am doing is worthwhile.

Faith:  Worry is a waste of time and energy.  It burdens my soul with negativity and fear.  I see faith as the opposite of worry.  When I have faith, I have hope, and I find hope in every seed I plant.